CityFest and First Friday Art Walk to bring community together in Downtown Bend Friday
Matthew Draxton
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — CityFest, hosted by the City of Bend and the First Friday Art Walk will take place this Friday, May 1, in Downtown Bend. The events aim to encourage community members to explore and support local businesses.
CityFest will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Lift Fitness Studio parking lot, located at 514 NW Franklin Ave. The First Friday Art Walk runs from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. throughout the downtown area.
These concurrent events provide an opportunity for residents to engage with local government and businesses. First Friday is a dedicated effort to highlight and support the businesses that define downtown Bend.
CityFest will include a brief State of the City update and offers a chance to meet City staff and Mayor Melanie Kebler. Attendees can also participate in a hands-on community art project in partnership with Visit Bend, enjoy music and have the opportunity to win prizes.
CityFest is scheduled for Friday, May 1, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. It will be located at the Lift Fitness Studio parking lot, found at 514 NW Franklin Ave in Bend.
The First Friday Art Walk will occur on the same day, May 1, operating from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. across downtown Bend. Attendees are encouraged to look for balloons outside participating businesses to help guide their way.
To assist with attendance, free parking will be available at the Centennial Parking Garage from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. during the events.
CityFest will feature a free raffle, providing two chances for participants to win one of two $250 Downtown Bend gift cards.
In addition to meeting City staff, Kebler will be in attendance at CityFest. The event also promotes community connection with music and the collaborative art project.
The Downtown Bend Business Association encourages community members to attend the events, grab a friend and make a night of it. Organizers hope attendees will shop, dine, explore and enjoy everything downtown Bend has to offer.